CHILDREN'S GARDENS 171 



that the remaining surface above has been left bare 

 and stony, and in a condition much more difficult for 

 vegetation to start again. 



With forests maintained, and cutting and replanting 

 of trees regulated, there will be a constant water sup- 

 ply for transportation, power, fish, agriculture and 

 the use of cities, a more equable climate (less ex- 

 tremes of heat and cold), a constant timber supply, 

 and a profitable use of land that cannot be tilled (that 

 is, mountainous or rocky land). 



Without forests maintained, large tracts of land 

 will be idle, there will be a scarcity of timber, ava- 

 lanches and landslides, which destroy property and 

 lives, a loss of surface soil from arable hillsides, a loss 

 of navigation in rivers from lack of water, and chan- 

 nels filled with silt, dry wells and springs. Water 

 power for mills will disappear, as well as game, birds 

 and fish. It will be colder in winter, and hotter in 

 summer, and population will decrease. 



How forests prevent floods by holding water, and 

 giving it gradually and steadily throughout the year. 

 When it rains on the trees, every branch and leaf 

 breaks the rapid fall, bringing the drops gently to the 

 ground. The surface earth covered with moss and 

 leaves, soaks it up and gives it time to sink into the 

 subsoil, which is filled with roots. The shade of the 

 trees above keeps the ground from baking hard, and 

 the water can more easily enter. Every tree forms 

 a temporary reservoir, holding every rain that falls 

 there. 



